Calathea Crimson Care Guide
About Calathea Crimson
Crimson Calathea (Calathea roseopicta or picturata) is a tropical beauty with deep pink or crimson leaves with dark red to burgundy edges. This Crimson prayer plant is native to South America, especially the rainforests of Brazil. It thrives in hardiness zones 10 to 12; thus, it prefers warm and humid environments. Calathea Crimson plants rarely flower indoors, but if they do, they produce small white or light purple blooms. However, plant enthusiasts value this variety for its stunning foliage.
Like all Calatheas, this one is also considered pet-safe, ideal for households with cats and dogs. Crimson Calathea symbolizes fresh starts and new beginnings, making it a perfect housewarming gift.
Other gorgeous Calathea plants you may consider growing are the beautiful Calathea Medallion, Calathea Rattlesnake, and Calathea Dottie.
Calathea Plant: Benefits
- Instantly creates visual interest
- A pet-friendly beauty
- Adds an exotic vibe to any space
- Regulates humidity well
- Makes a stunning gift for collector plant lovers
Calathea Crimson Care: Growing Tips
Caring for a Crimson Calathea is relatively straightforward once you grasp its growing needs. To ensure it rewards you with healthy, bold-colored foliage, protect it from full sun and keep the humidity high. See below for our care tips to help you make your Calathea happy.
Calathea Crimson: Light Requirements & Temperature
- Light: Your Crimson prayer plant enjoys bright, indirect light. Protect it from direct sunlight during the hot parts of the day.
- Temperature: Ensure the temperature is between 65°F and 80°F. Cold drafts and proximity to heaters can harm the leaves of this beautiful houseplant.
Crimson Calathea: Watering & Humidity
- Watering: Water your Calathea plant when the topsoil is dry. Calatheas are sensitive to tap water, so use filtered water instead.
- Humidity: High humidity (around 60%) is what makes your Calathea Crimson happy. Use a humidifier if you grow it in an air-conditioned bedroom.
Crimson Calathea: Soil, Fertilizer, and Repotting
- Soil: Well-draining, airy soil is best for this Calathea variety. Add bark or perlite if needed.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly in the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Stop feeding your prayer plant in the winter.
- Repotting: Repot every 2 years or when roots outgrow the pot. Spring is the best time for this important task.
Crimson Calathea: Propagation
Propagate your Calathea via division. By separating the root ball in the spring (during repotting) and planting the sections individually, you can multiply this beauty and share the young Crimson prayer plants as Birthday gifts, for instance. Ensure the delicate leaves receive filtered light and the soil is consistently moist.
Crimson Prayer Plant: Common Problems
The Crimson Calathea may suffer from leaf issues, such as curling, yellowing, and brown tips, often caused by incorrect lighting, watering, humidity levels, or temperature fluctuations. Pests, such as scale insects and spider mites, should be treated promptly with an organic insecticide. Trim the plant to remove damaged leaves, and occasionally clean any dust.
Crimson Calathea: Companion Plants & Placement Options
Your Calathea Crimson can be an instant conversation starter if displayed as a standalone plant on a shelf. But paired with other houseplants, makes it stand out with its crimson or pink foliage against darker and lighter greenery.
Great to Place on
Crimson Calathea makes a great plant for the bathroom, thriving in higher humidity. Or decorate a side table, desk, or kitchen counter with this bold, colorful prayer plant.
Calathea Crimson Grows Well With
Place your Calathea picturata Crimson next to plants with leaves of contrasting color for a striking foliage display.
Shop for Crimson Calathea at Hey Rooted Today!
Care level: Extra love
Light: Low
Pet friendly
Water: Once a week
